Nimrod's Genesis: RAF Maritime Patrol Projects and Weapons since 1945

Nimrod's Genesis: RAF Maritime Patrol Projects and Weapons since 1945 Chris Gibson. Manchester, U.K.: Hikoki Publications, 2015. 224 pp. Index.

Illus. $49.95.

Reviewed by Norman Polmar

Nimrod's Genesis: RAF Maritime Patrol Projects and Weapons since 1945 provides an interesting and useful description of British development and operation of maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) from the end of World War II until the demise of the last of this type, the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, retired in 2011. The book provides numerous photos, technical drawings of engines and equipment, and "seating arrangements" for the aircraft crews.

Particularly fascinating are the many "not built" MPA proposals and designs, as well as several concepts for adapting other aircraft-such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Avro Vulcan delta-wing bomber-to the MPA role. Also discussed are U.S. patrol aircraft flown by the Royal Air Force, especially the ubiquitous P2V/P-2 Neptune.

Special notice should be given to the chapter "Old Men and Airships: The Last Flying Boats." These absorbing pages will attract...